Brazil beef group JBS says ready to leverage again

SAO PAULO, May 13 (Reuters) - Brazil's JBS, the world's largest beef producer, said on Wednesday it is in better shape than its competitors to take advantage of a recovery in the international beef market and in credit availability.

Chief Executive Officer Joesley Batista said JBS (JBSS3.SA) had been deleveraging and preparing for "tough times" since the beginning of 2008 and was now well-positioned for growth with a "strong cash position."

"I see all of our competitors talking about deleveraging at the same time that JBS is starting to think about new opportunities," Batista said during a webcast presentation at the BMO Capital Markets conference.

"Now markets are getting better, the beef and protein markets, credit is coming back ... I'm not suggesting we'll acquire someone tomorrow, but we're talking about how to take advantage of what we did, how to grow in this new scenario."

He said the company is considering leveraging again once the "financial market gets better," without elaborating.

JBS was talking on a daily basis with "many people" about possible deals, Batista said.

"Up to now we have just been listening. We're not in a negotiation mood. We're not engaged in any negotiation yet, but I think if things keep on this road, it will be time to start negotiating," he said.

Beef companies in Brazil leveraged their expansion heavily in recent years and were hit hard when credit availability shrank and demand for their products fell after the global financial crisis erupted late last year.

Analysts expect consolidation to increase in the sector. Several beef companies have filed for bankruptcy protection in recent months.

JBS is due to release its first-quarter earnings on Thursday after market trading hours. (Reporting by Inae Riveras; Editing by Christian Wiessner)